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American Travelers Thrive Overseas as U.S. Faces Tourism Decline

A Surge in American Travelers Abroad

As American families pack their bags and head overseas, a stark contrast emerges as international tourists to the U.S. dwindle. Caroline Smith, an accounting director from New Jersey, found herself bumping into familiar faces from her hometown during an Easter break trip to Italy. This trend reflects a wider pattern where Americans are increasingly choosing to explore international destinations.

Declining U.S. Inbound Tourism

According to the International Trade Administration, the number of foreign visitors to the U.S. by air saw a nearly 10% drop in March this year. This shift could deepen the existing $50 billion gap between U.S. travel-generated revenue and what Americans spend overseas, raising concerns for the domestic travel industry.

Economic Implications and Industry Voices

Leaders like American Airlines CEO Robert Isom emphasize the need for a streamlined visa process to reinvigorate interest from international tourists. Highlighting the economic ripple effect, JPMorgan projects a potential 0.1% dip in U.S. GDP tied to decreased foreign travel spend.

Social and Media Influences on Travel Choices

Social media and television shows are increasingly influencing travel decisions. Whether inspired by a scene in “The White Lotus” or a hit show set in Paris, American travelers, including students celebrating graduations, seek memorable international experiences.

Future Outlook for U.S. Tourism

While retirees are utilizing their wealth to travel abroad, there is concern over reduced domestic and business travel bookings. However, airlines like Delta and United remain hopeful, with strong international sales through the summer.

For further insights, explore our coverage on Cyprus Tourism Trends.

Robust Eurozone Construction Activity: Trends And Regional Highlights In 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

New data from Eurostat reveals that seasonally adjusted construction production in the eurozone rose by 0.9% in December 2025, while production across the European Union increased by 1.2% compared with the previous month. After a 1.5% decline in November 2025, these gains signal a recovery in the construction sector, even though yearly figures remain mixed.

Monthly Performance And Sector Breakdowns

In December 2025, construction of buildings in the euro area rose by 0.9%, civil engineering increased by 2.3%, and specialized construction activities grew by 0.6%. Across the EU, output rose by 1.2% in building construction, 3.9% in civil engineering, and 0.9% in specialized activities. Yearly, however, production in the euro area declined by 0.9% compared with December 2024, while the EU overall remained stable.

Annual Trends And Regional Variations

On an annual basis, building construction in the euro area declined by 3.3%, while civil engineering and specialized construction activities increased by 1.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Across the EU, building construction fell by 0.7%, while civil engineering and specialized activities rose by 0.9% and 1.1%. Among reporting member states, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia recorded the largest monthly gains, while Austria, Slovenia, and Bulgaria posted the steepest monthly declines.

Detailed Sector Insights

Delving deeper into sector performance, notable annual decreases were evident in Austria (12.3%), Belgium (4.3%), and Spain (3.9%), while Slovakia, Slovenia, and Finland enjoyed annual gains of 11.6%, 10.2%, and 6.6%. Such variances underscore the dynamic and uneven recovery across the continent.

Cyprus Construction And Property Market Momentum

Cyprus was not included in the Eurostat release, but local indicators point to continued activity in construction and real estate. Data from the Cyprus Statistical Service show that the Price Index of Construction Materials reached 118.89 units in January 2026 (base year 2021), with monthly and annual increases of 0.12% and 1.09%. Minerals and electromechanical products recorded the largest annual gains, while metallic products declined slightly.

Surge In New Residential Developments

Market analysis by Landbank Analytics shows that transactions involving newly built residential properties in Cyprus exceeded €2.5 billion in 2025. A total of 7,819 contracts were filed, with apartments accounting for the majority of sales. The year also included high-value transactions, including a Limassol apartment sale valued at approximately €15.2 million.

Robust Building Permits And Future Projections

Cyprus Statistical Service data indicate that building permits issued in October 2025 reached 855, with a total value of €447.6 million and capacity for 1,950 dwelling units. During the first ten months of the year, permits increased by 9%, supported by higher project values and expanded covered areas. Residential construction continued to grow, while non-residential projects declined in both volume and value.

Overall, while the eurozone displays signs of recovery in construction activity, the sector remains heterogeneous across regions. Combined with strong domestic performance in Cyprus, these trends suggest a cautious yet optimistic outlook for construction markets throughout Europe.

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